Tuesday, July 15, 2008

UFA Signing: Josef Vasicek

Josef Vasicek has joined his fellow hockey brethren as they flee the NHL in search of higher paying gigs in Europe, namely Russia. Vasicek has inked a 2 year deal with Yaroslavl Lokomotiv of the new Russian Kontinental Hockey League (KHL). Monetary terms of the deal are unknown.

Vasicek has 16 goals and 19 assists for 35 points on 81 games with the Islanders last season. The Czech native was 5th overall on the team in scoring and was tied for 3rd overall in goals.

Originally selected in the 4th Round, 91st overall by the Carolina Hurricanes in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft, Vasicek has played for the 'Canes, Predators and Isles. Vasicek was a central player during Carolina's near-Stanley Cup Run during the 2001-02 season and was on the roster for their eventual Cup win during the 2005-06 season. In 460 games, Vasicek has notched 77 goals and 106 assists for 183 points. He has a career -38 rating, 311 penalty minutes and 11 game winners.